Local Link seeks approval to add Tipperary village to popular route
A Tipperary village could soon be set to get a new public transport link as Local Link have agreed to bring a proposal to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase capacity in the area, which would pave the way for additional stops.
There have been calls for the village of Newcastle, near the Waterford border, to be included on the Local Link Waterford 356 Ballinroad-Dungarvan–Clonmel service.
Local councillor Máirín McGrath said that there had been a number of obstacles preventing the village from being included on the route.
"I have been in contact with Local Link Waterford about the inclusion of Newcastle on this route for a long time now however it had met a number of obstacles including capacity issues.
"This route as it stands has two buses with 14 stops and runs eight times daily, but at peak times has experienced some capacity issues with passengers unable to board at some stops so adding an additional stop would not be possible,” Cllr McGrath explained.
However, the independent councillor said that following a recent meeting with representatives of Local Link Waterford, a proposal would now be put forward to increase Local Link services in the area, opening the door for Newcastle to get a bus stop on the route.
“I am delighted to confirm that Local Link Waterford have a proposal now going to the National Transport Authority in coming days for the addition of a third bus, which would not only ease pressure on existing services but more importantly make it possible to include a stop in Newcastle,” she said.
"While NTA approval may take some time, the finer details of timetabling, etc would need to be worked out and a stop in Newcastle may not feature on each route, it would be a significant step in the right direction”.
Cllr McGrath said she would continue to monitor the proposal with the NTA, and would continue to advocate for it.